Directional beacon device

ABSTRACT

A beacon device includes a control circuitry, a window, and a plurality of sets of illumination sources. The window includes a prismatic structure forming a ring from a planar perspective. The prismatic structure defines an inside surface and an outside surface from the planar perspective. The plurality of sets of illumination sources are coupled to the control circuitry. Each set of illumination sources includes a first illumination source disposed proximal to the inside surface of the prismatic structure and includes a second illumination source disposed proximal to the outside surface of the prismatic structure. The control circuitry is to illuminate a first set of the plurality of sets of illumination sources to transmit a signal in a first direction.

CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/688,643, entitled “Directional Beacon Device,” filed on Jan. 15,2010, which claims priority U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No.61/145,385, entitled “Directional Beacon Device,” filed on Jan. 16,2009, the disclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure, in general, relates to directional beacon devices.

BACKGROUND

With the increasing complexity of commercial organizations, industry isseeking to track the location and use of inventory and equipment withincreasing specificity and detail. For example, a wholesaler can trackthe location and availability of inventory within warehouses. Suchtracking permits increased automation of inventory systems and providesmore accurate data for use in supply chain management. In anotherexample, organizations can use tracking systems to determine thelocation and use of equipment. For example, a hospital can track thelocation or use of equipment within patients' rooms. Such data can beused to locate equipment in large facilities or can be used toaccurately bill for the use of the equipment by patients.

Traditionally, tracking systems use an infrared beacon or communicatewith tracking devices using infrared signals. However, conventionalsystems often interfere with the operation of other equipment and aresubject to interference from other infrared sources, such as artificiallight or sunlight projecting through windows. For example, conventionalsystems tend to interfere with the operation of remote controls, such astelevision and VCR remote controls. At times, conventional systemsexhibit problems associated with interference between beacons, resultingin a false indication of equipment location.

Accordingly, an improved tracking system would be desirable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure may be better understood, and its numerousfeatures and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art byreferencing the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 includes an illustration of an exemplary tracking system.

FIG. 2 includes an illustration of an exemplary beacon device.

FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5 include illustrations of an exemplary beacondevice.

FIG. 6 includes an illustration of an exemplary circuitry.

FIG. 7 includes a flow diagram of an exemplary method for transmitting abeacon.

FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 include flow diagrams of exemplary methods forconfiguring a tracking system.

FIG. 10 includes an illustration of an exemplary prismatic structure.

FIG. 11 includes an illustration of an exemplary prismatic system.

The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicatessimilar or identical items.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In a particular embodiment, a tracking system includes a beacon deviceand a tag. The beacon device communicates with the tag to assist atracking system in determining the location of the tag. For example, thetracking system can also include an RF antenna coupled to a centralsystem. The beacon device communicates a location to the tag and the tagcommunicates its location to the central system via the RF antenna. Inthis manner, the central system can determine the location of the tagand thereby, the location of equipment or inventory associated with thetag. In a particular example, the beacon device includes a set ofillumination sources disposed in proximity to a prismatic structure.Selective illumination of subsets of the illumination sources results intransmission of a signal in a designated direction. In particular, thebeacon device can include a pattern code that is used to determine whichof the illuminating sources are to be used in transmitting the signal.

In another embodiment, a tracking system is configured by installing abeacon device and providing the beacon device with a pattern code withwhich the beacon device determines which of a plurality of illuminationsources to activate when transmitting a signal. In addition, the beacondevice can be provided with a location code. In operation, the beacondevice can access the pattern code to determine which illuminationsources to use when transmitting a signal and can transmit a signal thatincludes the location code to be received by a tag.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a tracking system 100 can include a beacondevice 102 and a tag 104. The beacon device 102 can communicate alocation to the tag 104. For example, the beacon device 102 cancommunicate with the tag 104 via a wireless communication method, suchas communicating using infrared electromagnetic (IR) signals or radiofrequency electromagnetic (RF) signals. In an example, the beacon device102 can communicate with the tag 104 using IR signals. In particular,the beacon device 102 provides a signal 112 to be received by the tag104 in a particular direction 110 at the exclusion of another direction.While some of the signal may spread or reflect into the excluded area,exclusion is intended to indicate a reduction in signal strength of atleast 50%, such as at least 75%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least99%, or even at least 99.9%.

For example, the beacon device 102 can be located within a room thatalso includes other equipment communicating with infrared signals. Inanother example, the room can include windows. Accordingly, the beacondevice 102 can be configured to project signals 112 in directions awayfrom the receivers of other equipment that communicate using IR signalsor in directions away from windows of the room.

In a further example, the beacon device 102 can be located within afacility that is free of barriers to infrared signals, such as free ofwalled structures. In such an environment, partitioning of the facilityinto regions can be accomplished by using directional beacons. Forexample, a beacon device, such as beacon device 102, can be configuredto direct a signal that includes a location code towards a designatedregion. Another beacon device can be configured to direct a differentsignal including a different location code toward a different region.Alternatively, the same beacon device, such as beacon device 102, can beconfigured to direct a signal including a first location code toward afirst region and to communicate a signal including a second locationcode toward a second region.

In a particular embodiment, the beacon device 102 communicates with thetag 104 using an IR signal. The tag 104 receives the signal 112 and maydetermine a location based on the signal. For example, the signal 112can include a location code associated with the beacon device 102. Inanother example, the signal 112 can include other payload data, such assensor data. In a particular example, the signal 112 can include payloaddata, such as temperature, telemetry, oxygen level, pressure, or othersensor data. The tag 104 communicates with a central system, usingsignal 114 to indicate the tag's location. For example, the tag 104 canprovide the location code and a tag identity within the signal 114. In afurther example, the signal 114 can include other data received from thebeacon device 102, such as sensor data. The signal 114 can be an IRsignal or an RF signal. In particular, the signal 114 is transmitted asan RF signal to an antenna 106. The antenna 106 is in communication witha central system 108 that tracks the location of the tag 104.

In general, the beacon device can be configured to transmit a signal inone or more of a plurality of directions. As illustrated in FIG. 2, abeacon device 200 can be configured to transmit a signal in one or moreof nine directions including eight approximately radial directions (1-8)and a perpendicular direction (0). While the exemplary beacon device 200is illustrated as including nine directions, a beacon device can bedesigned to selectively transmit in one or more of two directions, threedirections, or four directions. For example, the beacon device can bedesigned to transmit in one or more of at least five directions, such asat least six directions, at least seven directions, or even at leasteight directions or more.

In the illustrated beacon device 200, the regions (1-8) have anapproximately radial direction. An approximately radial direction caninclude a vector having a radial component, as well as a verticalcomponent. For example, a ceiling mounted device can project down fromthe ceiling at an angle causing a transmitted signal to propagate in avector that has both a radial component and a downward verticalcomponent. Alternatively, a unit mounted on other surfaces can includemore or less of the radial or vertical components.

In particular, the beacon device 200 can selectively transmit in one ormore of the designated directions. For example, if other equipment thatcommunicates using infrared communication methods were located indirections 6 and 7, the beacon device 200 can be configured to transmitin directions 0-5 and 8. In another embodiment, if a region associatedwith the location code associated with the beacon device 200 were in adirection associated with directions 1 and 2, the beacon device 200 canbe configured to transmit in directions 1 and 2 at the exclusion ofother directions. Furthermore, more complex patterns can be envisaged,such as the selection of directions 1, 3 and 5 at the exclusion ofothers.

In an additional embodiment, the beacon device 200 can be configured totransmit a signal that includes a first location code in a first set ofdirections and a second location code in a second set of directions. Inparticular, the beacon device can be configured to transmit any numberof location codes in various patterns associated with the selectableregions. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, a beacondevice 200 can be configured to transmit a first signal including afirst location code in directions 1-4 and a second signal including asecond location code in directions 5-8. In such a manner, a tag locatedin a first direction may receive a different location code than a taglocated in a second direction. In a system in which the tag communicatesthe location code it receives, a tag located in a first direction from abeacon device 200 receives and communicates a different location codethan a tag located in a second direction from the beacon device 200.

As a result of selecting particular directions in which to transmit asignal, the beacon device is configured to illuminate in an illuminationpattern. An illumination pattern is a volume or an area impinged by asignal to the exclusion of other volumes and areas that can be selectedfor transmission through the beacon device.

In a particular embodiment, the beacon device selectively transmits asignal in a selected direction by selectively activating illuminationsources in proximity to a prismatic structure. A signal emanating fromthe selected illumination sources impinges the prismatic structure andis directed in a desired direction. For example, FIG. 3 includes anillustration of the cross-section of an exemplary beacon device 300. Thebeacon device 300 includes a printed circuit board 302 to which sets ofillumination sources 306 and 308 are coupled. In addition, the beacondevice 300 includes a window 304 from which a prismatic structure 310extends. The window 304 is transparent to beacon signals and while thewindow 304 is illustrated as the entire outer casing, the outer casingmay alternatively define a set of window portions that are transparentto the beacon signal while the outer casing may or may not betransparent. The prismatic structure 310 can be a single prismaticelement extending, for example, in a curve from a planar view.Alternatively, the prismatic structure 310 can include more than oneprismatic elements providing similar functionality to a single prismaticelement.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the window 304 includes aconvex outer surface 312 and a concave inner portion 314 when viewedfrom a cross-sectional prospective. The prismatic structure 310 extendsfrom the concave inner portion 314 toward the printed circuit board 302.While the prismatic structure 310 can include various cross-sectionalshapes, the illustrated prismatic structure 310 is triangular incross-section and includes two surfaces 316 and 318 between a surface ofthe concave inner portion 314 and a point.

In an example, the surfaces 316 and 318 of the prismatic structure 310are substantially flat when viewed from a cross-sectional prospective.Alternatively, the surfaces 316 or 318 can include a slight convex orconcave curvature. In particular, the dimensions, including the shape ofthe surfaces 316 and 318 and relative angles of incidence, redirect asignal emanating from an illumination source, while limiting internalreflection of the signal within the window 304.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, an illumination source 1002projects electromagnetic radiation carrying a signal in a beamcharacterized by beam edges 1004 and 1006. The beam is incident on asurface 1008 of a prismatic structure 1012 at an incidence anglerelative to a normal vector 1010 of the surface 1008. Given the spreadof the beam, typically within 20° of a centerline 1022 of theillumination source 1002, such as within 15° or within 10°, the angle ofincidence of the beam changes across the beam, as illustrated by theincidence of beam edges 1004 and 1006. The angle at which the beampropagates through the prismatic structure 1012 to impinge the surface1014 of the prismatic structure 1012 approximates that determined bySnell's law. The angle of the beam exiting the prismatic structure 1012from the surface 1014 also approximates that determined by Snell's law.

As illustrated, the surface 1014 is a convex curved surface and as aresult, the direction of the normal vector 1016 changes along thesurface. As a result, the curvature has the effect of further spreadingthe beam, as illustrated by refracted beam edges 1018 and 1020.Alternatively, the surface 1014 can be flat or concave. In an example, aconcave surface can act to focus the beam. Accordingly, the shape andrelative position of the surfaces 1008 and 1014 can be formed to providethe desired direction and spread of a beam emanating from anillumination source 1002. In particular, the shape and relative positionof the surfaces 1008 and 1014 can be formed to provide incident anglesat the surface 1014 of the beam, including the beam edges 1004 and 1006,of not greater than 45°, such as not greater than 42°, not greater than40°, or even not greater than 38°.

Returning to FIG. 3, the illumination sources 306 and 308 can extendsubstantially perpendicular to the printed circuit board 302 and extendin proximity to the surfaces 316 and 318 of the prismatic structure 310when viewed in cross-section. Substantially perpendicular indicates thatthe directional illumination sources predominantly direct the signalemanating from the sources in a direction within 45° of perpendicular tothe printed circuit board 302, such as a direction within 30° ofperpendicular, within 20° of perpendicular, or even within 15° ofperpendicular to printed circuit board 302. Substantially parallelindicates that the illumination source predominantly directs a signal ina direction within 45° of parallel to the printed circuit board 302,such as within 30°, within 20° of parallel, or even within 15° ofparallel to the printed circuit board 302. As illustrated, a set ofillumination sources 306 extends in proximity to one side of theprismatic structure 310, such as the right side when viewed from across-sectional perspective. In another example, a set of illuminationsources 308 extend in proximity to the left side of the prismaticstructure 310 when viewed from the cross-sectional perspective.

In operation, selective illumination of one of the sets (306 or 308)results in the signal emanating from the illumination sources beingdirected toward one side or the other of the beacon device 300. Forexample, selective illumination of the set 306 of illumination sourcesresults in a signal being transmitted in a direction towards the leftside of the beacon device 300 when viewed in cross-section.Alternatively, selection of the set 308 of illumination sources resultsin a signal being directed towards the right of the beacon device 300when viewed in cross-section.

In effect, the prismatic structure 310 acts as two prisms, oneassociated with refraction of signals emanating from an illuminationsource of the set 308 of illumination sources and one associated withrefraction of signals emanating from an illumination source of the set306 of illumination sources. Alternatively, separate prismaticstructures can be associated with illumination sources, each prismaticstructure and illumination source pair refracting a signal in aparticular direction. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, a window1110 can be provided with prismatic structures 1112, 1114, 1116, or1120. One or more illumination sources (e.g., illumination sources 1102,1104, 1106, or 1108) can be associated with one or more of the prismaticstructures 1112, 1114, 1116, or 1120. In a particular example, anillumination source is paired with a prism. For example, theillumination source 1102 is paired with the prismatic structure 1112,the illumination source 1104 is paired with the prismatic structure1114, the illumination source 1106 is paired with the prismaticstructure 1116, and the illumination source 1108 is paired with theprismatic structure 1118. While FIG. 11 illustrates the illuminationsources and prismatic structures as being symmetric and uniformlypatterned, alternative embodiments include illumination sources andprismatic structures that are disposed in asymmetric positions ornon-uniform positions, depending on the desired options for projectingsignals. For example, the beacon device can take the form of a ¼ sphereor ⅛ sphere and can be disposed in a corner of the room such as whereone or more walls meet the ceiling.

Returning to FIG. 3, the beacon device 300 also includes illuminationsources 320 and 322 that are directed in a substantially paralleldirection. When activated in concert with one of the sets 306 or 308 ofthe illumination sources, the illumination sources 320 or 322 canprovide further coverage of the signal in a particular direction. Forexample, the set 306 of illumination sources can be activated inconjunction with the illumination source 320 to direct a signal towardsthe left of the beacon device when viewed in cross-section. In anotherexample, the set 308 of illumination sources can be activated in concertwith the illumination source 322 to direct a signal towards the right ofthe beacon device 300 when viewed in cross-section.

While FIG. 3 illustrates a particular embodiment of the cross-section ofa beacon device 300, the beacon device 300 can include other sets ofillumination sources in proximity to the prismatic structure 310 thatwhen illuminated direct a signal in a direction not readily illustratedin the cross-section of FIG. 3.

In a particular embodiment, the window 304 is formed of a refractivematerial, in particular a material with an index of refraction ofgreater than 1.0. For example, the window 304 can be formed of apolymeric or ceramic material having an index of refraction of at least1.3 for infrared wavelengths, such as at least 1.4, or even at least1.5. In an example, the window 304 is formed of a polymeric material,such as a polyolefin, for example polyethylene or polypropylene, apolycarbonate, poly vinyl chloride, acrylic polymer, polystyrene,styrene acrylonitrile copolymer, methylmethacrylate-stryrene copolymer,or any combination thereof. In another example, the window 304 is formedof a ceramic material, such as silica glass, silicaborate glass,sapphire, or a combination thereof.

In a further exemplary embodiment, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 include anillustration of a beacon device 400. The beacon device 400 includes acover or window 402 and a printed circuit board 404. The cover 402 andprinted circuit board 404 are secured to a backing or mount 430. Thecover 402 is formed of a material translucent to electromagneticfrequencies useful in transmitting signals, such as IR or RFtransmissions. In an example, the cover 402 defines an external curvedand convex surface 432 and defines a predominantly concave inner portion434. In addition, the cover 402 defines a prismatic structure 408extending from the inner portion 434 toward the printed circuit board404.

In the illustrated example, the prismatic element 408 has a triangularcross-section and terminates at an upper point 418. When viewed from aplanar perspective (FIG. 5), the termination point 418 forms a circularridge. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the prismatic structure 408 defines twosurfaces 514 and 516. From the planar view, the surface of 514 definesan outer surface of the prismatic structure 408 and surface 516 definesan inner surface of the prismatic structure 408. While prismaticstructure 408 is illustrated as a single continuous element formed aspart of the cover 402, the prismatic structure 408 can be subdividedinto more than one element, which may or may not be part of or integralwith the cover 402.

In a particular embodiment, each of the surfaces 514 and 516 define afrustoconical shape. In particular, the surface 514 defines afrustoconical shape having a small end closer to the printed circuitboard 404 and the surface 516 defines a frustoconical shape having alarger end in closer proximity to the printed circuit board 404.

The printed circuit board 404 includes or is connected to a controlcircuitry (not illustrated) and optionally memory (not illustrated). Inaddition, a set of illumination sources 406 are connected to and extendfrom the printed circuit board 404. The controlled circuitry is incommunication with the illumination sources 406 and is configured totransmit signals via the illumination sources 406. Alternatively, thecontrol circuitry or memory may be located outside of the beacon device400, such as at a host device that controls the actions of the beacondevice 400. For example, parameters associated with the control of theillumination sources 406 may be stored in memory outside of the deacondevice 400. In particular, the illumination sources 406 extendsubstantially perpendicular to the printed circuit board 404 toward theinside surface of the cover 402 and terminate proximal to the prismaticstructure 408.

In addition, the printed circuit board 404 can be connected to a set ofillumination sources 422 disposed within the ring defined by the ridge418 of the prismatic structure 408, yet not disposed in proximity to asurface 514 or 516 of the prismatic structure 408. As such, the set ofillumination sources 422 can form a central grouping of illuminationsources at a center of the beacon device 400 from a planar view, whichtransmits in a substantially perpendicular direction from across-sectional perspective. Further, a set of horizontally directedillumination sources 524 can be connected to the printed circuit board404, as illustrated in FIG. 5. Both the central set 422 of illuminationsources and the horizontally directed illumination sources 524 can beselectively controlled by the control circuitry (not illustrated).

Further, the printed circuit board can be coupled to a power source (notillustrated). The power source can be a self-contained power source,such as a battery power source, or an external power source, such as aconnection to line power. Further, a communication port 420 can becoupled to the printed circuit board 404 and in communication with thecontrol circuitry (not illustrated). The port 420 can be provided toform a physical connection with the control circuitry and the printedcircuit board 404. Alternatively, a wireless communications port can beprovided, such as an IR port or a radio frequency transceiver.

In another example, the printed circuit board can include or be coupledto another data source. For example, the beacon device 400 can include asensor or be in communication with a sensor or other data generatingdevice. In a particular example, the sensor can include a temperaturesensor. In another example, the sensor can include an oxygen sensor. Thebeacon device 400 can transmit in a signal the data, such as sensordata, separately or in conjunction with a location code to a tag device.While the discussion herein refers to transmitting location codes, otherdata, such as sensor data can also be transmitted. In a particularexample, the beacon device 400 can transmit a location code and sensordata, such as a room oxygen level.

In a further embodiment, the beacon device 400 can include a tag 410positioned to detect the activity of the beacon device 400. When thebeacon device 400 is performing as expected, the tag 410 can detect thelocation signal and provide a status of the beacon device 400 to amonitoring system, such as through communicating the location and a tagidentification to a central system. In another example, additional data,such as sensor data, received from the beacon device 400 can betransmitted by the tag 410. In the event that the beacon device isfaulty or inoperable, the tag 410 indicates the fault to the centralsystem.

In operation, the beacon device 400 can be configured to selectivelytransmit a signal, such as a location signal or other data using asubset of the illumination sources (406, 422, or 424). In a particularexample, each direction can be addressed using a subset of theillumination sources. For example, each subset can include anillumination source disposed in proximity to the outside surface 514 ofthe prismatic structure 408 and an illumination source disposed inproximity to an inside surface 516 of the prismatic structure 408.Optionally, the subset can include a horizontally directed illuminationsource.

For example, to transmit a signal in a direction A, the subset 406A ofillumination sources is selectively activated to transmit the signal.Optionally, the subset includes a horizontally directed illuminationsource 524A. To transmit in an opposite direction B, a subset ofillumination sources 406B is selectively illuminated. In addition, ahorizontal illumination source 524B is illuminated in conjunction withthe subset 406B to transmit a signal in the direction B. To transmit ina different direction, for example direction C, a subset of illuminationsources 406C is selected and a horizontal illumination source 524C isselected. To illuminate more than one direction, more than one subset,such as subset 406B and 406C, can be illuminated in concert. To transmitin a direction perpendicular to the printed circuit board 404, the set422 of illumination sources is activated. As such, one or more of thesubsets of illumination sources can be activated to illuminate a definedillumination pattern. In a particular example, the illumination patterncan be defined by a pattern code provided to and stored in the memory ofthe beacon device 400.

In a further example, the control circuitry can control the illuminationsources to transmit a signal having a selected signal frequency. Forexample, a user can specify which signal frequency is to be used. Inparticular, the user can configure the beacon device 400 to transmit atone or both of two frequencies. In an example, the signals can betransmitted at signal frequencies in the range of 30 kHz to 50 kHZ(e.g., 36 kHz), frequencies in the range of 400 kHz to 500 kHz (e.g.,455 kHz), or a combination thereof.

In a particular embodiment, the control circuitry can select one ofseveral illumination sources connected in series. For example, theillumination sources are light emitting diodes, such as infrared diodes.As illustrated in FIG. 6, a circuitry 600 includes a control circuitry602. The control circuitry 602 is connected to a diode 604, which isconnected to a diode 606, which is connected to a diode 608 in series.The diode 608 is connected to a resistor 610 that is connected to ground612. In an example, the diode 604 can be positioned proximal to an outersurface of a prismatic structure, the diode 606 can be positionedproximal to an inner surface of the prismatic structure and the diode608 can be a horizontally directed diode. Accordingly, transmitting asignal using the circuitry 600 results in the signal being transmittedfrom each of the diodes 604, 606 and 608. The beacon device can includesa plurality of such circuitries connected to a control circuitry, eachcircuitry being selectable for transmitting signals. Which circuitry isselected, can be defined by a pattern code stored in a memory of thebeacon device.

The signal can be transmitted in a direction using a method, such asmethod 700 illustrated in FIG. 7. The beacon device accesses a patterncode stored on the beacon device, as illustrated at 702. The patterncode is associated with the illumination pattern over which the signalis to be transmitted. For example, the pattern code can define whichsubsets of illumination sources are to be activated when transmittingthe signal. In an embodiment, the pattern code can include a bitassociated with each of the activatable illumination source subsets. Forexample, a pattern code associated with the beacon device of FIG. 2 caninclude at least 9 bits, such as 16 bits. Each of the subsets ofillumination sources that are associated with an illumination directioncan be associated with one of the at least 9 bits, such as in aone-to-one correlation. For example, the subset of illumination sourcesassociated with a direction 0 can be associated with a bit 0 of thepattern code. In another example, a subset of sources associated withthe direction 1 can be associated with the bit 1 of the pattern code.The value of the bit of the pattern code defines whether that subset isto be activated and used when transmitting a signal. For example, avalue of 1 of the bit 0 of the pattern code can indicate that the subsetof illumination sources associated with direction 0 is to be activatedduring transmission.

Once the pattern code has been accessed, the beacon device can transmita signal in an illumination pattern based on the pattern code, asillustrated at 704. For example, the signal can be transmitted by onlythose subsets of illumination sources identified as being active by thepattern code. In a particular embodiment, the signal can include alocation code that identifies the location of the beacon device or theidentity of the beacon device. In another embodiment, the signal caninclude payload data, such as sensor data.

In embodiments of the beacon device that include a signal detector, suchas a built-in signal detector or an associated tag, the detector or tagcan detect the transmitted signal emanating from the beacon device, asillustrated at 706. In a particular embodiment in which the beacon isequipped with a transceiver or the tag associated with the beacon deviceis equipped with a transceiver, the beacon device or tag can transmit astatus signal to a central system, as illustrated at 708. In thismanner, the central system can determine an operational status of thebeacon device.

As part of a method to configure the tracking system, the beacon devicecan be configured, as illustrated in method 800 of FIG. 8 and method 900of FIG. 9. For example, a beacon device can receive a location code, asillustrated at 802. The location code can be an identifier associatedwith the location of the installed beacon device or can be an identifierof the beacon device. In one embodiment, the location code is associatedwith a physical location in a database at a central system. In anotherembodiment, the location code includes a text indication of the physicallocation (e.g. “Room 312”).

As illustrated at 804, a pattern code can be received at the beacondevice and the pattern code can be stored on the beacon device, asillustrated in 806. For example, the pattern code can take the form of apattern code, as described above in relation to FIG. 7.

Optionally, the beacon device can transmit a signal in an illuminationpattern based on the pattern code, as illustrated at 808, to provideconfirmation that the correct pattern code was entered. For example, aniterative transmission of a signal and an illumination pattern based onthe pattern code and receipt of a new pattern code can be performeduntil the correct pattern code is entered that results in the desiredillumination pattern.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, a method 900 can include initiatingcommunication with a beacon device, as illustrated at 902. For example,a portable device can be plugged into a communication port of a beacondevice. In another example, the portable device can include an IR or RFtransmitter for communicating with the beacon device.

Once communication has been initiated with the beacon device, the beacondevice can be provided with a location code, as illustrated at 904. Inan example, the location code can take the form of a location code, asdescribed above in relation to FIG. 8. Further, the beacon device can beprovided with a pattern code, as illustrated at 906. The pattern code,for example, can take the form of the pattern codes described above inrelation to FIG. 7.

Further, a test illumination can be initiated in the beacon device toprovide illumination in the pattern designated by the pattern code, asillustrated at 908. The portable device can detect the signals issuedfrom the beacon device in the illumination pattern to determine whetherthe desired illumination pattern has been implemented, as illustrated at910.

In a further embodiment, the beacon device may include a receiver, suchas an infrared receiver to detect signals from other beacon devices. Forexample, the beacon device may detect signals of other beacon devicesand coordinate transmission of signals in time to avoid signalcollisions. The other beacon devices may be structurally similar to thebeacon devices described above. In another example, the beacon devicemay detect signals and mimic the location code to effectively expand thearea of coverage associated with a location code. Further, the beacondevice may perform both functions separately or in concert.

Particular embodiments of the above described tracking system, beacondevice, and methods provide particular technical advantages. Forexample, embodiments of the beacon device are more easily assembled withless error in the direction of signal transmission than prior artdevices. In particular, embodiments of the beacon device have no movingparts. In addition, the beacon device is easily reconfigured. Inembodiments configurable for transmission in more than two directions,transmissions can be directed in asymmetric patterns. Such asymmetricpatterns can permit the exclusions of a small number of directions whiletransmitting or can permit transmission in a narrow set of directions, asingle device being configurable for either situation.

In a particular embodiment, a beacon device includes a controlcircuitry, a window, and a plurality of sets of illumination sources.The window includes a prismatic structure forming a ring from a planarperspective. The prismatic structure defines an inside surface and anoutside surface from the planar perspective. The plurality of sets ofillumination sources are coupled to the control circuitry. Each set ofillumination sources includes a first illumination source disposedproximal to the inside surface of the prismatic structure and includes asecond illumination source disposed proximal to the outside surface ofthe prismatic structure. The control circuitry is to illuminate a firstset of the plurality of sets of illumination sources to transmit asignal in a first direction.

In an example, the control circuitry is to illuminate a second set ofthe plurality of sets of illumination sources to transmit the signal ina second direction. In a further example, the control circuitry is toilluminate a third set of the plurality of sets of illumination sourcesto transmit the signal in a third direction.

In another example, the beacon device further includes a memory storinga pattern code. The control circuitry is to transmit the signal via asubset of the plurality of sets of illumination sources selected basedon the pattern code. The memory can further store a location code. Thesignal includes the location code.

In a further example, the illumination sources are infrared illuminationsources. Each set of the plurality of sets of illumination sources canfurther include a third illumination source disposed away from theprismatic structure and pointed in a direction associated with the eachset. For example, the first and second illumination sources extendsubstantially perpendicular and the third illumination source issubstantially parallel.

In an additional example, the beacon device can further include acentral set of illumination sources disposed at a location central tothe ring formed by the prismatic structure. Each illumination source ofthe central set is pointed in a direction substantially perpendicular tothe planar perspective.

In another example, the inside surface is substantially flat from across-sectional perspective. The outside surface is substantially flatfrom a cross-sectional perspective. In a particular example, the insidesurface forms a frustoconical shape. The outside surface forms afrustoconical shape.

In an example, the window includes an exterior surface. The outsidesurface is disposed at an angle relative to the exterior surface toprovide the signal at an incident angle relative to a normal vector ofthe exterior surface that is not greater than 45°. In particular, theincident angle is not greater than 42°. In another example, the windowincludes an exterior surface. The inside surface is disposed at an anglerelative to the exterior surface to provide the signal at an incidentangle relative to a normal vector of the exterior surface that is notgreater than 45°. In particular, the incident angle is not greater than42°.

In a further example, the beacon device further includes a printedcircuit board connected to the control circuitry and the plurality ofsets of illumination sources. The illuminations devices extendsubstantially perpendicular to the printed circuit board.

In another embodiment, a tracking system includes an tracking tag and abeacon device to communicate a location to the tracking tag via asignal. The beacon device includes a control circuitry, a window, and aplurality of sets of illumination sources. The window includes aprismatic structure forming a ring from a planar perspective. Theprismatic structure defines an inside surface and an outside surfacefrom the planar perspective. The plurality of sets of illuminationsources are coupled to the control circuitry. Each set of illuminationsources includes a first illumination source disposed proximal to theinside surface of the prismatic structure and includes a secondillumination source disposed proximal to the outside surface of theprismatic structure. The control circuitry is to illuminate a first setof the plurality of sets of illumination sources to transmit the signalin a first direction.

In an example, the tracking system further includes a central system.The tag is to receive the signal and to communicate the location to thecentral system.

In an additional embodiment, a beacon device includes circuitry toinitiate transmission of a signal via illumination sources, a first setof the illumination sources, a second set of the illumination sources,and a window having a convex outer surface and a concave inner surfaceand including a prism structure extending from the concave innersurface. The first set of illumination sources are disposed on a firstside of the prism from a cross-sectional perspective and the second setof illumination sources are disposed on a second side of the prism froma cross-sectional perspective. The circuitry is to initiate transmissionof the signal in a first direction using the first set of theillumination sources or is to initiate transmission of the signal in asecond direction using the second set of illumination sources.

In an example, the beacon device further includes a memory storing apattern code. The control circuitry is to transmit the signal via thefirst set or the second set of illumination sources based on the patterncode. In another example, the memory stores a location code. The signalincludes the location code. In an additional example, signal can includepayload data. For example, the signal can include sensor data.

In a further example, the illumination sources comprises infraredillumination sources. In an additional example, the first set of the ofillumination sources further includes a third illumination sourcedisposed away from the prismatic structure and pointed in the firstdirection.

In an additional example, the beacon device further includes a centralset of illumination sources disposed at a location central to theprismatic structure. Each illumination source of the central set arepointed in a direction substantially perpendicular.

In an example, the convex outer surface is disposed at an angle relativeto the first side of the prismatic structure to provide the signal at anincident angle relative to a normal vector of the convex outer surfacethat is not greater than 45°. For example, the incident angle can be notgreater than 42°.

In an additional embodiment, a tracking system includes a tracking tagand a beacon device to communicate a location to the tracking tag via asignal. The beacon device includes circuitry to initiate transmission ofthe signal via illumination sources, a first set of the illuminationsources, a second set of the illumination sources, and a window having aconvex outer surface and a concave inner surface and including a prismstructure extending from the concave inner surface. The first set ofillumination sources is disposed on a first side of the prism from across-sectional perspective and the second set of illumination sourcesis disposed on a second side of the prism from a cross-sectionalperspective. The circuitry is to initiate transmission of the signal ina first direction using the first set of the illumination sources or isto initiate transmission of the signal in a second direction using thesecond set of illumination sources. In an example, the beacon devicefurther includes a central system. The tag is to receive the signal andis to communicate the location to the central system.

In another embodiment, a method of installing a tracking system includesinitiating communication with a beacon device and providing a patterncode to the beacon device. The beacon device is to transmit a signal inan illumination pattern associated with the pattern code. In an example,the beacon device includes a set of illumination sources disposed inproximity to a prism and the method further includes illuminating asubset of the set of illumination sources based on the pattern code. Inan additional example, the method further includes providing a locationcode to the beacon device. The beacon device is to provide a signalincluding the location code in the illumination pattern associated withthe pattern code.

In another example, the method further includes detecting the signal todetermine the illumination pattern.

In a further embodiment, a method of installing a tracking systemincludes receiving a pattern code at a beacon device. The beacon deviceincludes a set of illumination sources. The method further includestransmitting a signal using a subset of the set of illumination sourcesbased on the pattern code. The subset transmits the signal in anillumination pattern. In an example, the method further includes storinga location code, wherein transmitting the signal includes transmitting asignal including the location code. In a further example, transmittingthe signal includes transmitting payload data, such as data from asensor. In an additional example, the method further includes receivingthe location code or the payload data.

In an additional embodiment, a method of providing a beacon signalincludes accessing a pattern code on a beacon device. The beacon deviceincludes a plurality of illumination sources disposed in proximity to aprismatic structure. The method further includes transmitting a signalvia a subset of the plurality of illumination sources selected based onthe pattern code.

In a further embodiment, a beacon device includes a control circuitry, afirst illumination source connected to the control circuitry and to emitelectromagnetic radiation along a first centerline, a secondillumination source connected to the control circuitry and to emitelectromagnetic radiation along a second centerline, the first andsecond centerlines being parallel, a first prismatic structure disposedto refract the electromagnetic radiation of the first illuminationsource in a first direction, and a second prismatic structure disposedto refract the electromagnetic radiation of the second illuminationsource in a second direction. The control circuitry is to initiatetransmission of a signal via the first or the second illuminationsources. The signal includes an indication of location or payload data.In an example, the indication of location includes a location code.

In an example, the beacon device further includes a memory to store apattern code. The control circuitry selectively initiates transmissionof the signal via the first or the second illumination sources based onthe pattern code.

In another example, the first and second prismatic structures areassociated with a window. The window includes an outer surface. Theouter surface of the window can be disposed relative to incidentsurfaces of the first prismatic structure to form an incident anglerelative to a normal vector of the outer surface that is not greaterthan 45°. The outer surface of the window can be disposed relative toincident surfaces of the second prismatic structure to form an incidentangle relative to a normal vector of the outer surface that is notgreater than 45°.

Note that not all of the activities described above in the generaldescription or the examples are required, that a portion of a specificactivity may not be required, and that one or more further activitiesmay be performed in addition to those described. Still further, theorder in which activities are listed are not necessarily the order inwhich they are performed.

In the foregoing specification, the concepts have been described withreference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in theart appreciates that various modifications and changes can be madewithout departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in theclaims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to beregarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and allsuch modifications are intended to be included within the scope ofinvention.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,”“including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is notnecessarily limited only to those features but may include otherfeatures not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary,“or” refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example,a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true(or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or notpresent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (orpresent).

Also, the use of “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements andcomponents described herein. This is done merely for convenience and togive a general sense of the scope of the invention. This descriptionshould be read to include one or at least one and the singular alsoincludes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed above with regard to specific embodiments. However, thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that maycause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essentialfeature of any or all the claims.

After reading the specification, skilled artisans will appreciate thatcertain features are, for clarity, described herein in the context ofseparate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a singleembodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity,described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be providedseparately or in any subcombination. Further, references to valuesstated in ranges include each and every value within that range.

What is claimed is:
 1. A beacon device comprising: circuitry to initiatetransmission of a signal via illumination sources; a first set of theillumination sources; a second set of the illumination sources; and awindow having a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface andincluding a prismatic structure extending from the concave innersurface, the first set of illumination sources disposed on a first sideof the prismatic structure from a cross-sectional perspective and thesecond set of illumination sources disposed on a second side of theprismatic structure from a cross-sectional perspective, the circuitry toinitiate transmission of the signal in a first direction using the firstset of the illumination sources or to initiate transmission of thesignal in a second direction using the second set of illuminationsources.
 2. The beacon device of claim 1, further comprising a memorystoring a pattern code, the control circuitry to transmit the signal viathe first set or the second set of illumination sources based on thepattern code.
 3. The beacon device of claim 1, further comprising alocation code, the signal to include the location code.
 4. The beacondevice of claim 1, wherein the illumination sources comprises infraredillumination sources.
 5. The beacon device of claim 1, wherein the firstset of the of illumination sources further comprises a thirdillumination source disposed away from the prismatic structure andpointed in the first direction.
 6. The beacon device of claim 1, furthercomprising a central set of illumination sources disposed at a locationcentral to the prismatic structure, each illumination source of thecentral set pointed in a direction substantially perpendicular.
 7. Thebeacon device of claim 1, wherein the convex outer surface is disposedat an angle relative to the first side of the prismatic structure toprovide the signal at an incident angle relative to a normal vector ofthe convex outer surface that is not greater than 45°.
 8. The beacondevice of claim 7, wherein the incident angle is not greater than 42°.9. A tracking system comprising: a tracking tag; and a beacon device tocommunicate a location to the tracking tag via a signal, the beacondevice comprising: circuitry to initiate transmission of the signal viaillumination sources; a first set of the illumination sources; a secondset of the illumination sources; and a window having a convex outersurface and a concave inner surface and including a prismatic structureextending from the concave inner surface, the first set of illuminationsources disposed on a first side of the prismatic structure from across-sectional perspective and the second set of illumination sourcesdisposed on a second side of the prismatic structure from across-sectional perspective, the circuitry to initiate transmission ofthe signal in a first direction using the first set of the illuminationsources or to initiate transmission of the signal in a second directionusing the second set of illumination sources.
 10. The tracking system ofclaim 9, further comprising a central system, the tracking tag toreceive the signal and to communicate the location to the centralsystem.
 11. The tracking system of claim 9, further comprising a centralset of illumination sources disposed at a location central to theprismatic structure, each illumination source of the central set pointedin a direction substantially perpendicular.